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TAKING CONCRETE ACTION

Dear COA Family,

Our sermon series in Nehemiah this week focuses on the importance of taking concrete action. I would like to summarise God’s word to us through three questions:

1. When is it necessary to take steps of faith?

May I suggest that this is a regular and consistent way of life for us as Christians!

Like a parent seeing a baby first learning to walk, God is delighted when we attempt to obey him in faith, however frail or unsteady our steps may seem! The simple act of trying to live by faith each day is already indicative of our commitment to grow in our walk with God towards maturity.

2. How can we take steps of faith?

First, by obeying God’s commands in our lives, no matter how minor or insignificant our acts of obedience may seem or whether others can see our actions or not. This is otherwise known as integrity of heart.

Proverbs 11:3 says: “The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.”

Integrity in our actions are the fundamental steps of faith we take to please God as God sees all that we do – even our deeds done in secret.

Second, by serving others in love. The Apostle John writes, “If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” (1 John 3:17-18)

Concrete actions to provide for the needs of others are demonstrations of true love. When we love in this manner, we are truly living out the love of God!

3. What are the rewards of steps of faith?

Ultimately, all that we do will work for us a reward in the coming age. Jesus continually emphasised the importance of working for our heavenly recompense throughout the Gospels. He even assured us that the simplest acts we do will neither be forgotten nor overlooked by the Father.

“And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.” (Matthew 10:42)

For me, this would be the simple action each day of visiting someone to pray for him and encourage him with God’s word. And I know that God’s promises will be able to build the faith of those who hear!

May we all be encouraged to take active steps this week to please God and bless others!

Have a blessed week ahead,

Rev Ian